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Assam Rifles personnel and villagers before the rally began, in Kiphire on May 7.[/caption]
Eastern Mirror desk
Dimapur, May 7: To create awareness on the menace of HIV/ AIDS and drugs among the people, the Assam Rifles (AR) of Kohima and Dimapur conducted a motor rally under the banner, “HIV and AIDS and drug free Nagaland.”
In Dimapur, Brigadier Shibaji Das flagged-off the 6th sector of Assam Rifles rally on May 7 at the Firing range in Dimapur.
The rally team consisted of 28 troops who will cover a distance of 190 Km starting from Dimapur-Medziphema-Athibung-Jalukie.
During the rally the team will conduct various medical camps, awareness lectures, poster making competitions and interaction with youth.
Also, the 5th sector of Assam Rifles kicked-off its motor rally from Kohima on May 5 and reached Kiphire on May 7. The team was received by the 7th AR in Kiphire and a welcome programme was conducted.
Speaking at the program for bikers, 28th Assam Rifles major, Abinav Sudan, who was leading the rally team, expressed his profound gratitude to the people of Kiphire for joining hands with the troops. He said that the main purpose of undertaking such a massive rally is to educate people that HIV and AIDS and drugs issues can be tackle with a human approach.
Commandant of 7th Assam Rifles, Kiphire while welcoming the bikers said that it was an opportunity for the people of Kiphire to be part of such a noble cause. He appealed the non-governmental organisation, and stakeholders dealing with rehabilitations to keep fighting towards saving lives. The commandant said the troops’ desire was to see healthy Naga youths as youth are the future of tomorrow.
One of the speaker, Tsointhe urged the gathering not to stigmatized people living with HIV / AIDS, stating that care and understanding was vital to intergrades them in society.
A short drama on HIV / AIDS was performed by Zisaji Presidency College’s Red Ribbon club while Phelungre village displayed traditional Naga dance.
The authority has informed that the rally would Kohima-Jessami-Kiphire-Zunheboto.
